Watch out for any out-of-character changes such as:
- Changes in Thinking
- Ceasing to care, feelings of hopelessness, personal loathing, excessive negativity, suicidal thoughts.
- Changes in Mood
- Downbeat, Night Terrors, sleeplessness, irritability, jumpiness and hyper sensitivity, anger or rage, experiencing flashbacks or recollections.
- Changes in behaviour
- Becoming Isolated or withdrawn, changes in personal hygiene, increased drinking or substance abuse, confusion.
If you recognise some, or all of these symptoms in yourself or family members and friends it is time to STOP, accept there could be a problem.
“I was so confused at times and everything seemed difficult. The simplest of things required so much more thought and focus that I thought I was going mad. I would easily fill up on stress throughout the day and they were actually simple things. I knew it was time to STOP and get some help. My memory was terrible and I was so worn out with it all.” – Former Royal Marine Sergeant